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Container Shipping

Top Movers, Costs and Tips for a Smooth Move

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Planning an international move? Transporting your belongings overseas can be challenging, but one of the most popular and cost-effective methods is container shipping. Discover the container shipping costs, container sizes, and more with Sirelo. Get tailored quotes and information about moving a container abroad quickly and easily.

Key Takeaways

  • International container shipping costs typically range from $2,500 to $20,000+ depending on destination, load size, and services.
  • FCL vs LCL: Full container load (FCL) is faster for whole-home moves; LCL is more budget-friendly for small loads.
  • 20 ft container dimensions: 20′ x 8′ x 8.5′; capacity ~1,172 ft³; weight ~2,300 kg (empty).
  • Cheapest container shipping to New Zealand from USA starts around $18,000+.

What Is Container Shipping?

Container shipping (also called sea freight shipping) refers to the transportation of goods via large, standardized containers by sea. It’s a popular and cost-effective solution for moving goods internationally.

Top Container Shipping Companies in the US

Looking for a container shipping quote? It all starts with choosing a reliable mover. Here are some of the best container shipping moving companies in the US:

1. Laser Moving

Reliable, high-rated, and known for secure shipping cargo by sea.

Pros

 Professional (40)
 Communication (34)
 Price (14)

Cons

 Failure to comply (6)

2. US International Movers

Experts in international container shipping and partial load options.

Pros

 Communication (7)
 Price (6)
 Professional (6)

Cons

 Unprofessional (2)

3. SDC International Shipping

Great for full-service international moves.

Pros

 Communication (5)
 Packing of furniture (3)
 Fast move (2)

Cons

 Planning (3)

4. Viking International Moving

Excellent for custom relocations and sea freight shipping.

Pros

 Professional (8)
 Friendly (3)
 Communication (2)

Cons

 Price (2)
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How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Container Overseas?

On average, international container shipping costs range between $4,500 and $18,000+.

International container shipping costs vary based on several factors:

  • Route and Distance
  • Container Size (20 ft vs. 40 ft)
  • Load Type: FCL (Full Container Load) vs. LCL (Less than Container Load)
  • Additional Services: Packing, insurance, port handling, customs
DestinationCost Estimate
GermanyUSD 4,500 – 10,000+ (20ft)
UKUSD 3,000 – 7,500 (20fft)
AustraliaUSD 8,000 – 26,000+(40ft)
New ZealandUSD 18,000+ (20/40ft cheapest quotes)

* These are indicative port‑to‑port rates; door‑to‑door or full service moves will cost more.

Container Sizes, Dimensions & Weights

Choosing the right container size is crucial for ensuring the efficient and secure transportation of your belongings.

20-Foot Container

  • Dimensions: 20′ x 8′ x 8.5′
  • Capacity: ~1,172 ft³
  • Weight: ~2,300 kg (empty)

40-Foot Container

  • Dimensions: 40′ x 8′ x 8.5′
  • Capacity: ~2,390 ft³
  • Ideal for large homes or full business moves

FCL vs. LCL: What’s Right for You?

OptionBest forPros
FCL (Full Container Load)Entire householdFaster, private, more secure
LCL (Less than Container Load)Small movesMore affordable, shared cost

LCL shipping prices are lower if you don’t need a full container. Read more about LCL shipping in our guide.

How to Move a Cargo Container: Step‑by‑Step

  1. Choose between FCL or LCL
  2. Request container shipping quotes from multiple movers
  3. Prepare documents and inventory
  4. Pack items securely
  5. Arrange inland transport
  6. Monitor delivery and customs clearance
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Need help calculating your volume? Try our container shipping volume calculator to estimate your volume for your international shipping container quote.

Popular Container Shipping Destinations

  • USA → Germany: $4,500 – $10,000 (20 ft)
  • USA → Australia: $8,000 – $26,000 (40 ft)
  • USA → UK: $3,000 – $7,500 (20 ft)
  • USA → New Zealand: $18,000 – $23,500+ (full container)
Cheapest rates to NZ typically start around USD18,000+ for a full container (port to port).

Shipping a Car Overseas

Need to include a vehicle in your shipment? Here’s a quick guide on how to ship your car:

  1. Choose sea freight shipping or RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off)
  2. Get a sea freight quote
  3. Prepare the car for transport (clean, fluids drained, no personal items)

Plan Your Move!

Remember to plan, compare quotes, and communicate effectively with the shipping company to make your international move a hassle-free process. If you need more information, check out our FAQs and linked aticles.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to ship a container overseas?

What are standard 20 ft shipping container dimensions?

Is shipping cargo by sea cheaper than air freight?

Where can I get an international container shipping quote?

What’s the cheapest shipping to New Zealand from USA?

What is a sea freight quote?

What’s the difference between FCL and LCL?